Update on Flu in Michigan

FLU cases are widespread throughout Michigan according to an alert from the Michigan Department of Community Health released on Jan. 3, 2013. Local Emergency Departments are reporting double the usual number of cases of flu presenting for treatment. State health authorities are encouraging people to have a Flu Shot if they have not received one. Flu shots continue to be available to staff, faculty, and students daily Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Student Health Services on a walk-in basis. Staff and faculty are reminded the flu shots need to be paid for in Accounting prior to arriving at Student Health Services. Student shots will be billed to their College account. The cost is $25.00.

To avoid the flu, take the following steps:

Wash your hands, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If no soap and water are available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing. Sneeze or cough into your sleeve, not into your open hand.

Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

Drink plenty of fluids, water is the preferred choice.

Dress appropriately for the weather.

Get plenty of sleep.

Exercise regularly.

If you are ill with symptoms of the flu, stay home to avoid passing it to others. Symptoms include:

Fever (101F-104F), may last 3-5 days

Headache, sudden onset, can be severe

Body aches, may be severe

Fatigue/Weakness, sudden onset, can last 2-3 weeks

Chest discomfort/cough, dry, hacking, can be severe

Stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat can be present, although usually not severe

Remember, flu can begin suddenly and spread quickly. Please help our Campus Community avoid the flu outbreak we had in 2011. Wash your hands (hand sanitizer is available for all campus departments through Purchasing), cover your cough, sneeze into your sleeve, and dispose of used tissues properly and promptly.

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